Alberta's Regulated Online Casino Market Launches 2026: What's Changing and How to Prepare

Alberta’s Regulated iGaming Market: It’s Happening in 2026

Finally, Alberta’s online casinos and sportsbooks go legal via regulations in 2026. This happens because in June 2025 the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) has passed, making Alberta the 2nd Canadian province to develop a competitive licensing landscape for private online gambling operators [1].

Let’s see the changes:

• Operators such as Bet365, PokerStars or Casino Rewards Group can now get Alberta Licences via AGLC.
• To oversee the market, the Alberta iGaming Corporation was created.
• From now on, player protection protocol is a must via universal responsible tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, etc.
• The good news is that the revenue will stay in Alberta compared to the old days when the revenue left for offshore operators.
• Still, PlayAlberta.ca continues to operate alongside licensed operators.

Timeline:

In January 2026 the first operator application started. The first licensed casinos are expected to launch in Q2-Q3 2026, somewhere between April and September. [2]

For Alberta customers:

from now on you will have access to many provincially licensed sites with local player protection available. Still, you can play at offshore casinos because they’re still legal, but the player protection goes to zero.

Disclaimer: Our article provides educational approach about Alberta’s online gambling regulation based on the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) passed in 2025 and regulatory framework published in January 2026. This is not legal advice. Regulations are subject to change. For specific guidance, consult AGLC or a qualified lawyer.

Why Alberta Decided to Regulate: The Revenue and Safety Case

The “Grey Market” Problem

Before this legal implementation, the situation in Alberta was that the grey market was thriving:

• Offshore sites were legally accepted and used for Albertans
• There was no provincial licensing
• Over 55% of Alberta’s online gambling revenue went to offshore sites. [3]
• Unfortunately, PlayAlberta.ca took only 45% from the market share, even being the only regulated option. [3]

Revenue Loss:

Millions of dollars left Alberta annually, and for what? For offshore casinos that generate zero provincial tax revenue.

Zero Player Protection:

These offshore casinos that took the revenue didn’t bother to safeguard the Albertans.

Ontario’s Success Influenced Alberta

So, Alberta developed the framework like Ontario’s iGaming in Ontario, which was lauchend in April 2022.

What are the Ontario’s Results after 4 Years:

• $2.2 billion in revenue (2023-2024) [4]
• 46 operators with licences that gave 70+ gaming sites
• Many jobs created
• Provincial tax revenue
• Top-tier player protection.

The goal of Alberta is to have similar checklist in the next years.

What Minister Dale Nally Said

Dale Nally, who is the Service Alberta Minister, explained this in March 2025: “Albertans have said to us, why don’t you do the same here? Why don’t you put in place safety measures? Why don’t you stop the money from leaving the province and keep some of it in Alberta? … That money is leaving the province. We’re saying, since it’s happening, let’s have it happen in a safer format than it currently is.” [1]

However, do not think that Alberta creates a new gambling market. On the contrary, Alberta regulates an existing market that was already thriving.

How Alberta’s Regulatory Framework Works

The iGaming Alberta Act: Key Provisions

Passed: June 17, 2025 (Royal Assent)

Creates: 

• AiGC – Crown corporation that manage online gambling market
• AGLC as regulator: So, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis is still a licensing authority.
• Competitive licensing – private operators can apply for licences

Dual Role Model: 

1. AiGC = Market operator (like the iGaming Ontario, for example)
2. AGLC = Regulator + continue to run PlayAlberta.ca

Unlike Ontarop, AGLC will be both regulator & operator since it is running PlayAlberta. However. It is a high risk of potential conflict of interest that Ontario avoided smartly. [6]

Who Can Apply for a License?

Eligible operators:

• International casino operators (Bet365, PokerStars, 888, Entain brands)
• Casino Rewards network casinos
• Sports betting operators (theScore Bet, FanDuel, DraftKings)
• New entrants to Canadian market

Requirements (published January 2026): [2]

• Demonstrate financial stability and integrity
• Implement AGLC-approved responsible gambling tools
• Integrate with Alberta’s universal self-exclusion system
• Meet technical standards for game fairness (RNG certification)
• Comply with advertising restrictions
• Pay licensing fees and revenue share to province (rate TBD)

Application process:

• Applications opened January 14, 2026 [2].
• AGLC reviewing applications on rolling basis
• First licenses expected Q2 2026 (April-June)
• Market launch Q2-Q3 2026 (April-September)

Alberta vs Ontario: Regulatory Model Comparison

What Changes for Alberta Players

Before Regulation (Pre-2026)

Your options:

• PlayAlberta.ca (only provincially licensed site)
• Offshore casinos such as Bet365, Bodog, Casino Rewards, etc., meaning egal grey market

Limitations:

• Play Alberta’s limited game selection and bonuses
• Offshore casinos not integrated with Alberta self-exclusion
• No provincial dispute resolution for offshore issues
• Revenue left the province.

After Regulation (2026 Onward)

Your options:

• Play Alberta as a choice
• NEW: Many AGLC-licensed private sites, Pokerstars being a top example
• Offshore unlicensed casinos are still legal, but not regulated

What you gain with AGLC-licensed operators:

• Provincial regulatory protection via AGLC oversight, means complaint resolution
• Universal self-exclusion meaning one system blocks you from all licensed sites + land casinos [1]
• Mandatory responsible gambling tools – Deposit limits, reality checks, session timers
• Easier banking since Interac e-Transfer guaranteed acceptance at licensed sites
• Local dispute resolution via a complaint to AGLC if casino refuses withdrawal
• Advertising accountability means licensed operators must follow Alberta advertising rules

What you lose:

• Some offshore promotions were better than licensed sites because regulatory costs reduce bonus budgets
• Fewer “no rules” casinos because licensed sites have stricter terms

Universal Self-Exclusion: Alberta’s Strongest Player Protection

How It Works

Alberta’s universal self-exclusion system is better than Ontario’s [1]:

One registration blocks you from:

1. All AGLC-licensed online casinos and sportsbooks
2. PlayAlberta.ca
3. All brick-and-mortar casinos in Alberta
4. Horse racing facilities with gambling elements

Ontario comparison:

iGaming Ontario’s self-exclusion only covers iGO-licensed online sites, not land casinos, since it’s a separate system.

Why this matters:

If you face a gambling problem, one action blocks you from all regulated gambling in Alberta.

How to Self-Exclude

The process once the system launches:

• Register for the AGLC for self-exclusion program
• Choose duration: 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or lifetime

System automatically blocks your access to the following:

• All licensed online casino accounts
• Land-based casino entry (photo ID flagged)
• Horse racing casino areas

Timeline: When Alberta’s Regulated Market Launches

What’s Happened So Far

What’s Coming Next

Which Operators Will Launch in Alberta?

Confirmed Interest (Based on Ontario Presence)

These operators from Ontario will likely arrive in the Alberta’s area:

Major International Brands:

1. Bet365 (sports betting + casino)
2. PokerStars (poker + casino)
3. 888 Casino
4. Entain brands (bwin, PartyPoker, PartyCasino)
5. theScore Bet (sports betting + casino)
6. BetMGM
7. FanDuel
8. DraftKings

Casino Rewards Network:

1. Jackpot City
2. Spin Casino
3. Ruby Fortune
4. Royal Vegas
5. (12 Casino Rewards brands likely to apply)

Why these operators, after all? They’ve already invested in the regulated area of Ontario. Adding Alberta is an incremental cost with access to 4.7 million residents.

New Entrants Possible

Operators not yet in Ontario may enter Alberta first:

• European operators testing Canadian market
• Crypto-focused casinos (if Alberta allows)
• Asian market operators (Macau-style live dealer focus)

Alberta advantage: Smaller market than Ontario makes it easier to test regulatory compliance before tackling larger provinces

Player Protection: What’s Required of Licensed Operators

Mandatory Responsible Gambling Tools

All AGLC-licensed operators must offer the following tools [2]:

Advertising Restrictions

Regulated Alberta gambling means strict rules for licensed operators:

Likely restrictions (like in Ontario):

• No marketing features for minors
• Youth celebrity icons cannot advertise for gambling
• Ads have responsible gambling disclaimers
• No ads during live sports broadcasts
• Bonus terms clearly disclosed to avoid aggressive and fake advertising for winning

How to Prepare for Alberta’s Regulated Market

This is a list to help you prepare for the newest Aberta regulations:

For PlayAlberta.ca Users

What changes for you:

• PlayAlberta continue to shine since AGLC won’t shut down the provincial site
• More competition because private operators may offer better bonuses, games
• Same AGLC oversight for PlayAlberta and licensed sites
• Universal self-exclusion, so if you self-exclude from PlayAlberta, you’re blocked everywhere.

Should you switch to private operators?

• Try both : PlayAlberta for familiarity and new sites for variety
• Compare bonuses:

  Private operators likely offer better welcome bonuses

• Game selection:

  Private operators may have a wider selection with names such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play, which is a plus.

For New Players

This is the best approach for you as a newcomer when market launches:

1. Wait for licensed sites:

   Don’t try offshore casinos before Alberta licences are issued

2. Compare 3-5 licensed operators:

   See the bonuses, game selection, Interac support

3. Check AGLC license: Check casino footer for licence number
4. Start with small deposit:

   Test withdrawal process before with lower amounts

5. Set limits immediately: Use deposit/loss limits from day one as a healthy practice

Concerns and Criticisms of Alberta’s Model

1. AGLC Conflict of Interest

• Issue:

  AGLC controls private operators while running PlayAlberta as a competitor [6].

• Concern: Will the AGLC prefer PlayAlberta in licensing decisions, marketing restrictions, or enforcement?
• Alberta’s response: The AGLC says that they’re committed to fair, transparent regulation no matter what.
• Ontario comparison:

  Ontario avoided this by separating the regulator (AGCO) from the market operator (iGaming Ontario). Still, none of it runs a casino, like in Alberta.

2. Gambling Addiction Increase

Concern: Easier access to licensed casinos + aggressive advertising = higher problem gambling [1].

Evidence from Ontario:

• Gambling addiction helpline calls increased after iGaming Ontario arrived
• Advertising “explosion” was criticized by public health supporters [1]
• The ‘Ban Ads for Gambling’ campaign was launched in Ontario

Alberta’s response:

• Universal self-exclusion, which is stronger than Ontario’s
• Mandatory pre-commitment limits (players set limits before gambling)
• Advertising restrictions (details TBD)

Expert view from Dr David Hodgins (University of Calgary):

“With an expansion, the devil is in the details. I really think we need to take a very cautious approach in terms of what safeguards we put in place and how we do that. Most importantly, I think that we monitor that what is put in place is really effective in minimising the harms that are caused by gambling.” [1]

3. Impact on Charities

Concern: Brick-and-mortar casinos fund Alberta charities ($409 million in 2023-2024) [1]. Will online gambling cannibalise land casino revenue by hurting charities?

Charity position:

“We think the Ontario model will be very damaging to casinos in Alberta, and charities will lose out significantly as a result.” – Michael Thompson, Alberta Charitable Casino Operators [7]

Alberta’s response:

• Online gambling already happening (offshore), so regulation captures existing market, doesn’t create new one
• Revenue from licensed operators stays in Alberta vs leaving for offshore
• Charity funding model may need adjustment, but total gambling revenue increases

Reality: Ontario’s land casinos didn’t collapse after iGaming Ontario launched. Online and land-based coexist.

What Happens If You Have a Dispute with a Licensed Casino

Check our helpful tutorial on what to do if you have a dispute with a licensed casino in Alberta after the implementation of the law.

Complaint Resolution Process

We think this is the best complaint resolution step-by-step guide you can have in 2026 because we tried to avoid fluff and we took the scenario a step further by showing you how we would do it.

Step 1: Contact Casino Support Immediately

• Use email, live chat, or phone to talk to the casino
• Explain the problem exactly as it was
• Request complaints department if you must
• Save all communications via email

Step 2: Call for the AGLC

• If casino doesn’t resolve within 7-14 days, it’s a red flag
• Go for AGLC immediately for complaints
• Give your account details, transaction history, and casino communication
• AGLC will 100% solve the issue, but you must wait

Step 3: AGLC Enforcement

• If casino violated terms or regulations, don’t worry
• AGLC will fine the operator, suspend the licence, and order a refund.
• You will receive resolution or explanation

Step 4: Legal Action (Last Resort)

• Small claims court (up to $50,000 in Alberta)
• Civil litigation for larger amounts
• Lawyer consultation recommended

Offshore Casino Disputes (No AGLC Protection)

After all, what can you do if you have an offshore casino dispute? Let’s see what our experts collected from the field:

• Unfortunately, you can’t complain to AGLC since there’s no jurisdiction
• However, you can complain to casino’s licensing authority such as MGA, UKGC, Curaçao
• Can use eCOGRA alternative dispute resolution, but only if casino participates
• You can seek civil legal action

Lesson:

Licensed casinos offer easier dispute resolution through AGLC.

Sources

1. [1] CBC News, “Alberta sets stage to regulate private online gambling companies,” March 26, 2025 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-online-gambling-bet365-bodog-dale-nally-1.7493066
2. [2] Canadian Gaming Business, “Alberta Unveils Online Gambling Rules, Opens Applications,” January 14, 2026 https://www.canadiangamingbusiness.com/2026/01/14/alberta-igaming-standards-applications/
3. [3] CBC News, “Alberta online gambling market closer to going live,” 2025 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-gambling-dale-nally-david-hodgins-nigel-turner-1.7308386
4. [4] iGaming Ontario, Annual Report 2023-2024, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario https://igamingontario.ca/en/annual-report-2023-2024
5. [5] OddsShark, “Alberta Passes iGaming Alberta Act Paving Way for Regulated Online Gambling in 2026” https://www.oddsshark.com/industry-news/alberta-regulating-online-gambling
6. [6] iGaming Business, “Alberta iGaming framework in place for 2026 launch” https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/framework-alberta-igaming-sports-betting-online-casino/
7. [7] CBC News, “Will an influx of online gambling operators in Alberta spell disaster for local charities?” November 2024 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/online-gambling-alberta-charities-1.7319397